AIPAC update

www.aipac.org August 5, 2008
Iranian Letter Ignores Demands for Nuclear Halt

Hizballah: We're Keeping War Option Alive

Norwegian Oil Group Ends Iran Investments

United States and Israel Engage in Strategic Dialogue

State Dept. Criticizes Egypt for Sentencing Human Rights Activist

Israeli Doctors Treat Palestinian Children in Gaza


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Iranian Letter Ignores Demands for Nuclear HaltAfter weeks of stalling, Iran has failed to deliver a concrete response to an incentives offer by world powers aimed at halting its nuclear program, Reuters reported. In a one-page letter to E.U. foreign policy chief Javier Solana, Iran said it had "carefully considered" views proposed by the P5+1 countries (United States, Great Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany) at a meeting in Geneva last month, but certain issues needed to be clarified. One Western official said the letter contained "absolutely nothing" and that Tehran delivered no concrete proposals to the world powers' offers of trade, financial and diplomatic incentives, in exchange for a freeze of its uranium enrichment activities. Click here to learn why Iranian stalling must be met with tougher sanctions.
Hizballah: We're Keeping War Option AliveIn a rare interview, a senior commander for the Lebanon-based terrorist army Hizballah said his group was far stronger now than before its war against Israel two years ago, and was prepared for future combat against the Jewish state, The Telegraph reported. "The resistance is now stronger than before and this keeps the option of war awake," said Sheikh Nabil Kaouk, who leads Hizballah's forces on Lebanon's border with Israel. Kaouk also touted Hizballah's close ties to Iran and Syria, who have helped the terrorist army triple the size of its rocket arsenal and have provided it with vital financial support. Since its 2006 war with Israel, Hizballah has amassed more than 40,000 rockets and missiles capable of striking major Israeli population centers. Click here to learn more about Hizballah's arms buildup.
Norwegian Oil Group Ends Iran InvestmentsDealing a significant blow to Iranian hopes for Western investment in its energy sector, StatoilHydro, the Norwegian national oil company, has announced its decision not to invest in Iran, the Financial Times reported. In light of international pressure over Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability, Statoil decided not to develop a major oil field in Iran's Anran block, Statoil CEO Helge Lund said, adding that his company would also be reducing its involvement in the South Pars gas project. Statoil's decision follows similar moves by Royal Dutch Shell and Total of France, whose chief executive, Christophe de Margerie, told the Financial Times last month that the political risk of investing in Iran was too high due to international sanctions. Click here to take important action thanking House members for cosponsoring a resolution that calls for tougher sanctions on Iran.
United States and Israel Engage in Strategic DialogueTop U.S. and Israeli officials conducted a strategic dialogue in Washington last week, discussing the threat of Iran's nuclear program and other challenges in the Middle East. The dialogue was led by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns and Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz. The talks were "another demonstration of the strong cooperative security partnership between the United States and Israel, based on a long-standing friendship, shared values and common interests," according to a joint statement. For decades, the United States and Israel have worked together to confront mutual threats. Click here to learn more about the threats Israel faces.
State Dept. Criticizes Egypt for Sentencing Human Rights ActivistThe State Department on Monday decried the recent sentencing in absentia of exiled Egyptian human rights activist Saad Eddin Ibrahim to two years in prison for defaming his country, Agence France Presse reported. "We are disappointed by the recent conviction in Egypt of democracy activist Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim," said spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos. "Lawsuits should not be used to undermine the principles of freedom of expression. We strongly advocate—in all countries—the protection of civil and political rights, including freedom of speech and due process." Ibrahim was sentenced for "tarnishing Egypt's reputation," following a series of speeches and articles in which he criticized the Egyptian regime. Ibrahim currently lives in the United States.
Israeli Doctors Treat Palestinian Children in GazaTwo Israeli doctors and volunteers at the Physicians for Human Rights organization crossed into the Gaza Strip last week to perform complex plastic and orthopedic surgeries on Palestinian children, the Israeli Web site Ynet reported. For nearly three days, the Israeli surgeons worked with a Palestinian medical team at Shifa Hospital, Gaza's main medical center. "During that period, I examined and treated over 30 children ranging from two months to 14 years of age," said Dr. Kassis Shukri, an Israeli plastic surgeon. "I managed to perform four complicated surgeries, treat congenital anomalies such as a cleft palate, deformities, cuts and burns." He added: "I believe medicine is one of the fields that can bring the two sides together."